In a surprising move Wednesday evening, just as America was closing down for Thanksgiving, Gary Rogliano (pictured), MAXjet founding CEO, has left the company 12 months after its inaugural flight from Stansted to New York Kennedy. This comes only days after the airline introduced a twice weekly service from Stansted to Las Vegas, an occasion which Rogliano did not attend. No reason has been officially given for his departure other than "to pursue other opportunities."
William D. Stockbridge, previously chairman of the airline, has taken over Rogliano's duties. As chairman of its board, he was instrumental in the carrier's certification, development of its unique business plan, financings and aircraft acquisition.
Mr Stockbridge said: "As chairman and a frequent MAXjet passenger, I have had the opportunity to watch MAXjet grow from an idea to a successful transatlantic airline. I would like to thank Gary and the MAXjet team for their hard work and dedication. I will work closely with our team to accelerate MAXjet's expansion. Our new Las Vegas service has been a strong success, we take delivery of additional aircraft in early 2007 and we look forward to announcing new routes shortly."
Bill Stockbridge is an airline veteran. Most recently he served as CEO of Centurion Air Cargo. He also founded the successful Gemini Air Cargo and served as its president and CEO. For Gemini, Bill raised $100m (”52m) in start-up capital from a prominent investment bank and $130m (”68m) of additional growth capital and secured debt. Gemini raised a further $170m (”88.8m) in 2000 for aircraft acquisition and expansion. Prior to Gemini, Bill served as president and CEO of Potomac Capital Investment Corporation, Potomac Capital Leasing Group, an aircraft leasing company with $1.4bn (”731m) of assets, as well as senior vice president and chief operating officer of Presidential Airways, a scheduled US passenger airline. He is a licensed aircraft engineer and pilot.
Rick Sharp, who is currently a member of the MAXjet board, has agreed to serve as chairman. Rick has significant business experience building well known US companies such as Carmax, Circuit City, Crocs and Flextronics.
MAXjet currently flies to three US destinations from Stansted. The airline provides a daily (except Saturdays) service to New York's JFK Airport at prices that substantially undercut those from Gatwick and Heathrow. It also has five weekly departures to Washington Dulles, increasing to daily (except Saturdays).
Image: Don't worry it is not a fire. A MAXjet Boeing 767 is ceremonially sprayed as it leaves Stansted on an inaugural flight to Las Vegas